Bayern Munich are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Mehdi Benatia from Roma.

The claims come less than 24 hours after Manchester United were said to have offered £24million for the player, who was also said to be on his way from Italy to Manchester to finalise a deal.

Bayern are in the market for a new centre-back following the injury blow suffered by Javi Martinez. And rumours began to circulate that Benatia would be that man early on Sunday morning.

Reports attributed to Sport 1 suggested that Bayern’s sporting director Michael Reschke was in Rome to discuss a move for Benatia. And now German newspaper Sport Bild claims Benatia will be heading to the Allianz Arena this summer.

If true, the news will come as a bitter blow to those United fans who had believed they were closing in on one of the best central defenders in European football.

Benatia has also been linked with Chelsea this summer, but if Bayern have got their man, Pep Guardiola’s side are about to get even stronger – which is a frightening prospect.

As for United, it may be back to the drawing board. But one thing is certain: They need to sign one, if not two, quality centre-backs in what remains of this transfer window.

Vincent Ralph

After graduating with a degree in English Literature, Vincent completed a NCTJ-accredited qualification in newspaper and magazine journalism in 2005. He has worked for HITC for four years and is now Head of Editorial and Journalist Standards.